David's Bride: Millshore Brides, #3

By Kirsten Osbourne

After years of working in a textile mill in Massachusetts, Grace decides to follow the lead of her friends and go west as a mail-order bride. After posting an ad, she waits for an answer, hoping it will be the man of her dreams.

When David "Jack" Smith sees the ad, he immediately writes to the woman who posted it, explaining that he is a farmer and would love to be her husband.

Immediately Grace embarks on the journey of her lifetime to meet the man who has asked for her.

When they meet, everything seems as if it will go smoothly until Grace realizes she's married to a very stubborn man. Will the two of them be able to work things out between them, or will Grace go back to working at the mill for the rest of her life?

• Language: English
• Publisher: Unlimited Dreams
• Release date: Nov 16, 2022
• ISBN: 9798215193983

Book preview

Chapter One

Grace and her best friend Sadie sagged for a moment over their looms in the Millshore Textile Mill. It was their last day of work for the week, and they were both happy to hear the bell that signified the end of their workday.

Grace stood up after a moment and held out her hand to pull Sadie to her feet. Poor Sadie hadn’t been feeling well all week, and it was difficult for her to keep working. I can’t believe you worked every day this week. Are you feeling any better?

Sadie looked at her friend’s face and nodded. I think so. Maybe. I need some sunshine. Maybe we should take the long way home and just bask in the sun.

Grace wanted to wrinkle her nose. It was too cold outside to be basking in the sun. As they stepped outside, there was no sun in sight. It was a dreary winter day. I think I’m going to put an ad in the paper for a husband, like Josephine and Rebecca. In their letters to us, they both seem so happy. Mrs. Durant is a godsend, helping us all find husbands, so we don’t have to work so hard in the mill.

Sadie frowned. I hate the idea of you going away!

Grace nodded. She knew she’d feel the same if it was Sadie leaving. I know. I hate to leave you, but...I’m not going to work in that mill one day more than I need to. Her parents had died when she was a little girl, and she and Sadie had met in the orphanage she’d been placed in. Since neither of them was married when they aged out of the orphanage at fourteen, the matron there had found them their positions at the mill.

How am I supposed to live without you by my side? Sadie asked, her voice weaker than it should have been due to the cold she’d had.

I’ll write you at least once a week...pages and pages! It’ll be like I never left.

Sadie frowned for a moment. Perhaps you can find a man for me when you arrive? That would be wonderful.

I’ll do my very best! Grace didn’t tell her friend that she’d already put an ad in the papers. She didn’t want Sadie to feel as if she’d hidden something from her.

Then we can be together again.

I want nothing more. Except to get out of the mill. That she wanted more than anything on earth.

They walked along the river and finally went into the boarding house where they shared a room with two other girls. There had been six of them just a short while before, but two had gone off to be mail order brides. Now Grace was going to follow in their footsteps.

Everyone was already at the table for supper when the two girls rushed in. I didn’t realize we were so late! Grace said. It’s my fault. She hurried upstairs to wash her hands and face for supper, aware that Sadie was right behind her.

After they’d both cleaned up, they hurried down and took their places at the table. Grace could see the corner of an envelope sticking out from under her plate.

Mrs. Durant had made chicken and dumplings for supper. Very little chicken and a lot of dumplings, so the meal was affordable, and they wouldn’t go hungry. Grace sniffed the air and sighed happily. This was one of her favorite meals.

Mrs. Durant said grace for them, and cheerful voices filled the room. They all worked in the mill all day, but they refused to let the mill bring them down. Instead, they worked at keeping their moods happy. What else could they do? There was no point in letting the mill control everything about them when they had the ability to keep one another cheerful.

Grace eyed the letter once more, and finally, she couldn’t bear it. She pulled it out and read its contents while eating. The words drowned out the chatter around her.

Dear Miss Grace Hart,

I saw your advertisement in the newspaper, and I just had to respond. I live in a relatively new community that was built right along the Oregon Trail. I’ve always known I would meet my wife in one of the groups traveling along the trail, but the Oregon Trail seems to have been forgotten now that the railroads have taken over.

I have a small spread of land that borders on my sister and brother-in-law’s land. You will find that it’s easy to make friends here. I live alone, but still take most of my meals at my sister’s house. I’m not a good cook, but that’s where I hope you’ll come in.

My name is David Jack Smith.  I’m a farmer. I’m twenty-four years old. I have all my teeth and my hair is brown. I love our little community here in Clover Creek, but I feel as if I need to look outside our people for a wife, so that’s what I’m doing. If you can cook and clean, I’d be right happy for you to join me.

The winters here are hard, but the mountains are beautiful. There’s even a lake we can visit on hot summer days. Please say you’ll be my wife. I’ve enclosed money for your train fare and for food along the way. I do hope you’ll choose me to be your husband.

Sincerely,

David Jack Smith

Grace read over the letter once more, realizing there was something about David Jack Smith that was pulling at her heartstrings. He made no mention of parents, just of a sister. He sounded like he was alone in the world, and she wanted to take his hand and face the world at his side.

Looking up from the letter, she realized that all the chatter had stopped, and everyone was looking at her expectantly. This was the first letter she’d received since moving from the orphanage. She’d been there for five years, which felt like forever. I’ll want you to read the letter, Mrs. Durant, but I think I’ve found myself a husband.

Mrs. Durant smiled as she took the letter from Grace. I think you have found your husband. We’ll make sure all your clothes are repaired this weekend, and you can take a train out on Monday!

Grace turned to Sadie, who was sitting at her side. I have to go.

Sadie nodded, but her face seemed to be accusing. Grace knew they would need to have a long talk. Perhaps after supper.

After supper, she found a quiet spot in the parlor where she could talk to Sadie. I should have told you the day I requested the ads. I’m so very sorry I didn’t.

Sadie nodded. I appreciate the apology, but why didn’t you?

I wasn’t sure how to tell you. We’ve been best friends for as long as either of us can remember, and I’m leaving you. I really will try to have my future husband find someone else for you to marry there!

Sadie smiled, but a single tear betrayed her true feelings. "I don’t want you